12 Facts About Yulia Barsukova

Yulia Vladimirovna Barsukova is a Russian retired individual rhythmic gymnast.

Yulia Barsukova is the 2000 Olympic champion in the All-Around, the 2000 Grand Prix Final All-around champion, the 1999 World All-around bronze medalist, 2000 European All-around bronze medalist and 1999 Grand Prix Final All-around bronze medalist.

Yulia Barsukova was coached by Vera Silaeva until she was sixteen, when Silaeva took her student to Russia's head coach, Irina Viner.

Yulia Barsukova began competing at international competitions following the coaching change.

Yulia Barsukova considered quitting rhythmic gymnastics until Viner persuaded her to stay and be patient.

Yulia Barsukova performed her "Dying Swan" ball routine and received the unofficial title of Miss Bolshoi Theater.

Yulia Barsukova won many rhythmic gymnastics titles after her emergence in major competitions as a second member of the Russian team.

Yulia Barsukova won gold in hoop at the 2000 World Cup Final in Glasgow and then gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after a hoop fumble by then-World champion, Alina Kabaeva.

Yulia Barsukova was the 2000 European All-around bronze medalist and won the rope final at the 2000 European Championships.

Yulia Barsukova retired from competition following the 2000 Aeon Cup.

Yulia Barsukova has participated in Russia's Channel One project "Stars on Ice".

Yulia Barsukova was married to Denis Samokhin, a Russian former ice dancer, in 2008 they had a son, Nikita, but they eventually divorced.